A Convenient Match for a Beastly Duke: A Clean Historical Regency Romance Book (Deals of Marriage 1)

Customer Reviews

• A***k

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

  Nice but not well executed
  
  At first the grandmother didn’t like Evelyn, what changed and how? How could they not have guarded the house and how did the cousin manage to sneak in to cause the fire? These should have been addressed.

  November 23, 2024

• D*********n

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  An Enjoyable Read
  
  I enjoyed this story. Duke Nathaniel and Duchess Evelyn had a strange start to their marriage. It was a marriage of convenience to cover her father’s debts to Nathaniel. They gradually build their relationship and become friends. However, someone is causing trouble. There is theft, sabotage, arson and attempted murder before the culprit is caught. Finally, they are able to begin their marriage and look forward to a happier future. An enjoyable read.

  June 11, 2024

• M**k

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  wonderful read
  
  Very wonderfully written! Love the characters and the plot. Kept my attention and i couldn’t put the book down Loved it

  May 27, 2024

• S**i

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  A Must Read
  
  This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long while. I loved that the heroine and hero disliked each other so much because of an arranged marriage but time and chance brought their hearts together in love. There’s also a good level of mystery as well. I recommend this book to anyone looking for their next good read.

  May 10, 2024

• S************n

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Very good
  
  Very good storyline. Characters are well rounded. Storyline is well written. Storyline ends with true love winning great book for romance lovers

  April 16, 2024

• L**************s

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  An enjoyable Romance
  
  I read this quickly, it kept me engaged and entertained. It had fun, a mystery, and a sweet romance. I will look for more from this author. It was a little odd the incongruous attitude of the old Duchess. Also the heroine’s father, was he a bad guy or good?

  February 23, 2024

• C*******l

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  clean regency
  
  Nice well written story. It had a bit of mystery with missing animals and damaged wells. It wasn’t tough to figure out who was behind it. But it was an enjoyable read. I appreciate it was a clean regency and the story was fun. A few odd points: I was a little confused as to when the grandmother decided she liked the future daughter-in-law. It seemed very disconnected, like we missed out when everything changed. When the grandmother first met her, she supposedly would be able to tell her character, and yet the indication was, she didn’t like her. She was very against the relationship. Yet after they were married, she seemed to change her view, when she came to visit, they were the best of friends. Evelyn was super excited his grandma came to visit, even though she had displayed disgust in her. I feel that there should have been some transition showing the change, or at the beginning the grandmother should have judged her correctly as a genuine person. Anyway, it was confusing. Also, I never understood why she thought of her parents by their first names. John and Ann. It seemed she was close to them, yet she always thought of them as John and Ann., in dialog or when they wrote letters. Very detached, not sure why the author wrote it that way. Seemed odd, not indicating a close relationship at all. Otherwise the book was an enjoyable read, not gripping, but worth reading.

  February 11, 2024

• M*******n

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Interesting with twists
  
  Very interested in the storyline and that it was not too long. Some errors in syntax were laugh-out-loud. Ex. He raked his fingers through his head. I thought I’d die! Also: He had big blue eyes, like honey. Omgsh! Also referring to his grandmother as mother. But the story kept me reading. I would have consigned Reginald to permanent transportation, however. I wondered how Lillian got so frail in such a short time. Tip: get a proofreader. All in all, good

  December 16, 2023

• J***********t

  Rating: ⭐⭐

  Interesting
  
  I’m always happy to find a clean Regency romance but this one fell short. There were a lot of errors, as though it was a first draft: eye color or names of servants or personalities changing suddenly. And then there were several historical errors, like referring to parents by their first names and having a baby at a wedding. The mystery caught my interest but it was so obvious after only a little while who was the culprit that it was unsatisfactory. The romance was nice too, but suddenly it leapt into love, like there wasn’t enough time to dwell on it (which might have been the problem). It’s too bad. With some polish this could be a really nice love story.

  December 10, 2023

• S************n

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  An unexpected love from an arranged marriage.
  
  This story was extremely well written, full of unexpected moments of love. I am sure any adult will find it thought provoking and enjoyable. I was very impressed, although you might feel as I did, that hero and heroin should voice their affections for one another earlier on in the story.

  October 28, 2023

• D******.

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Lovely romance
  
  Lovely romance. Great read about finding courage to overcome your fears and love. I recommend this book to anyone who loves romance and conflict.

  October 22, 2023

• S**********s

  Rating: ⭐⭐

  DNF
  
  I dragged my way through 55% and finally quit. The plot was boring and made no sense in places. I have no idea who these people are and really don’t care what they are doing. It’s unfortunate.

  October 15, 2023

• C*****r

  Rating: ⭐⭐

  Good plot, grammar and sentence structure not so much.
  
  The story lines of this author’s books are enjoyable. Poor grammar and sentence structure make the reading difficult for me. A good editor would be a great idea.

  September 28, 2023

• j*****s

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  A protective duke
  
  Can a missing twin, a threat from an unscrupulous Lord and a protective duke ever lead to true love? Clement, Duke of Northamptonshire, and Lady Violet team up to solve the dukedom’s mystery in this sweet, quick read.

  September 14, 2023

• K*************r

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Quite good
  
  Quite a sweet story but the editing is poor with many errors. I liked the fact that there was not a lot of angst, although there were attacks upon the estate it all came to a head in good time. It was actually a well planned plot.

  September 2, 2023

• J***b

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Was It Worth It!…To Love and Lose?
  
  Thirteen year old Nathaniel Cavendish survived a tragic carriage accident,which resulted in the loss of both parents. He was rescued by Tobias, the carriage driver, at great peril to himself. Nathaniel was sent to live with his grandparents the Duke and Duchess of Carlwood. At his parents graveside, Nathaniel realized he would lose them as well someday and felt a flash of panic. Was it worth it? Why risk heartbreak, suffering, confusion and pain again?? On order to ease his loneliness, they often had his cousin Reginald stay over. There was some underlying discord as Reginald and his family felt more entitled to the title than Nathaniel. However, both boys were educated for the role. But they were never close as children or adults. Nathaniel had learned a hard lesson that would always be with him. Loss happens and it is painful! Evelyn Wentworth had noticed a change of circumstances in their home. They had to ration tea, sometimes food as well. She was required to perform more and more menial labors. Furnishings were being sold and there was no money for dresses and trinkets ,even though she was in her second season. While talking to her best friend Alice, Evelyn was forced to explain their situation. “Papa has found himself in a Predicament” which,was overtaking the family as it grew. Final demands and people banging on the door at all hours demanded money which, the family did not have. They were on the cusp of bankruptcy, the result would send her father to prison. Evelyn, her mother and younger sister would be put out on the street. At dinner, Papa announced it would be up to him and Evelyn to ensure the safety of the family and that they would do so. Whatever it took, they would do it! With trepidation, Evelyn agreed. As his grandfather had passed, Nathaniel was now the Duke. His grandmother was pressing him to choose a bride and beget an heir, as he was now 26. Since he was so tied up in business, and he truly didn’t want to marry, he hadn’t taken the opportunity to meet anyone that he wanted to marry. He said he wanted a love match. Since that wouldn’t happen— he felt safe. He could have, as he was handsome, rich and titled. But he had a reputation for being cold, rude and stand-offish. In other words, his behavior was Beastly. Lord Wentworth arrived at the Duke’s home to discuss money owed by Wentworth. The Duke had purchased all of Lord Wentworth’s debts. And the loan was due. Wentworth offered Evelyn’s hand in marriage in exchange for debt paid in full as he had no way to pay. He was selling his daughter. He brought a miniature portrait of the beautiful Evelyn and the Duke was intrigued. No more marriage mart, managing Mammas or empty headed debutantes. A marriage of convenience not unheard of in the time. The Duke agrees with the caveat that Evelyn agrees fully. Having no other choice she does. As they get to know each other, they begin to grow closer and closer. As their feelings grow even stronger. Strange things begin to happen bringing danger to them and the community. They join forces to confront the challenge. This is a lovely story of love, adventure, overcoming heartbreak and betrayal. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Martha Barwood is very skilled at exposing scars whether physical or emotional and overcoming the trauma associated with them. Thank you. Martha

  September 1, 2023

• G****K

  Rating: ⭐⭐

  Silly
  
  It’s ok. Silly, fluffy. Not true to the times. Juvenile. Not the worst I’ve ever read, and a decent plot outline, but mediocre story and character development.

  August 28, 2023

• k**********o

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Intrigue and treachery
  
  Evelyn married Nathaniel in order to save her family from bankruptcy but she decides to make the best of the situation, despite being separated from family, friends, and everything she’s ever known. When the newlywed couple arrive at the country estate, they learn that someone has been engaging in sabotage, and the severity is escalating. As Evelyn and Nathaniel work together to find the culprit, their marriage of convenience begins to evolve into love. Will they survive long enough to find the saboteur and enjoy their new life together?

  August 12, 2023

• P*******y

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

  Blah!
  
  Very boring, no excitement in the story at all. Glad I only paid 99 cents for it.

  August 7, 2023

• K*******************B

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Great read
  
  Great story. I loved it. Kept my attention the whole time Martha writes very well and her editors proof read! Impressive.

  August 4, 2023

• M***********n

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  good story
  
  I liked this story because it was different. I get tired of the same storyline with new names. This one was not that way. I really enjoyed this story.

  August 1, 2023

• E***B

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Wonderful
  
  Such a wonderful book!

  July 30, 2023

• A***l

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

  Mystery Story
  
  If you enjoy mystery novels with a small dash of romance then this book is for you. If you like to spend your spare time lost in romance then this story may disappoint. There was little romance in this romance novel hence my three stars. It was however well written and engaging. There was mystery throughout although it seemed apparent from the get who done it. I enjoyed the main characters, my only issue was the lack of romance. Literally nothing until about the 75 percent mark of the book and even then it was minimal. This Author writes great romance so I am looking forward to her next novel. This one unfortunately was not a hit for me. Reviewing as an ARC.

  July 26, 2023

• M**B

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Good read
  
  A marriage of convenience becomes a marriage of love. Along the way there is drama–mistrust-suspense and betrayal . A good clean read by a wonderful author.

  July 26, 2023

• T**********m

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Nat and Eve
  
  Marriages of convenience aren’t always a bad thing. Having one’s father offer your hand in marriage to save himself and the family from financial ruin, I wonder if this actually might have happened in the past. Daughters weren’t seen as anything more than a bargaining piece, much less as a person with feelings. I enjoyed this book more than I expected, because the author showed the flaws in both Nathaniel and in Evelyn. This made the book more interesting and believable.

  July 26, 2023

• T*********s

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  A Convenient Match for a Beastly Duke:
  
  Must read! Sweet and clean romance it was a page turner and the suspense was realistic. I really enjoyed this book. This two main characters were post to be married to each other before the Duke die. These two went through obstacles and survived to be with each other but they had to do some growing up to do as adults. They need to get serious about life. But the female character need to grow up and stop getting into trouble with trauma event’s going on. I might be love for these two characters. I highly recommend this book. I received ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a honest review. Trina Jones

  July 25, 2023

• D****e

  Rating: ⭐⭐

  Disappointed
  
  This story had potential but I failed to see the ‘beastly duke’. He was more juvenile in regard to his grandmother and I was really disappointed in the romance of the couple once they married.

  July 25, 2023

• e***5

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

  A Convenient Match
  
  I did enjoy this book. My frustration came at the last quarter when the H didn’t do more to stop all of the things going on. There were people he could’ve hired . I felt the H was not strong enough!

  July 25, 2023

• D************e

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Evelyn & Nathaniel
  
  Enjoyed this regency romance. A marriage of convenience in the best way.

  July 20, 2023

• S******l

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Sweet Historical Romance
  
  I enjoyed the main characters and the mystery that needs solved. I personally would’ve liked to see more interaction between the couple; would’ve made their feelings for each other seem more real, but I still really enjoyed it and would read it again. I received an arc of this book. My opinions are my own.

  July 20, 2023

• R*********e

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Hooked from the first page!
  
  First of all, this is my favorite book so far by Martha Barwood! I was hooked from the beginning and the book was hard to put down. Nathaniel was very much closed off due to the tragedy of losing his parents and then his grandfather. His grandmother struggled to help him but then Evelyn came into his life suddenly and things began to change after their marriage. Then, strange incidents began to plague the estate, getting worse each time. This story had a happy ending and the ending was wrapped up well, leaving most of my questions answered. The only thing I was left wondering is whether Nathaniel was able to get back the stolen horses. I loved this book and look forward to more from Martha Barwood in the future!

  July 19, 2023

• G****a

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Awesome Read
  
  I like this book and all the other books she has written. Her characters have depth and her descriptions make you think you can picture it all like you are there!

  July 19, 2023

• KH

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  More than just a convenient arrangement!
  
  Tragedy strikes a young Nathaniel Cavendish, his parents are killed in a carriage accident on their way to visit his grandparents, the Duke and Duchess of Carlwood. Tragedy strikes again when his grandfather passes away making Nathaniel Cavendish the Duke of Carlwood. Nathan is in no hurry to marry; he hates being sought after like a prize to be won! He does have a responsibility to produce an heir, he needs to get married. Lord Wentworth is in serious financial trouble, close to bankruptcy. If he cannot pay his debts, he would be put into the debtor’s prison. Lord Wentworth has a business proposal for Nathaniel, the Duke of Carlwood. Nathaniel thought Evelyn to be pretty, but she has to agree to the arrangement. “You’re selling me off to pay off your debts? Evelyn asked flatly! She doesn’t want her father to go to prison. Evelyn finds out that this marriage arrangement has been made with the Duke of Carlwood, her father’s largest creditor! She agrees when Nathaniel confirms that her father’s debts will be written off. The Duke is very handsome . . . Evelyn thinks she’ll like being a Duchess. This is a fun read, well done! I received a copy from the author through BookFunnel. The opinions in this review are my own.

  July 19, 2023

• J***.

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Can a business agreement end with love?
  
  Nathaniel, Duke of Carlwood, needs a wife to placate his grandmother and to produce an heir, but he has absolutely no desire to run the gauntlet of young ladies and their mamas who wish to secure a suitable gentleman in marriage. Therefore, when he is approached by Lord Wentworth, who is on the verge of bankruptcy and suggests that Nathaniel marry his daughter Evelyn and cancel all his outstanding debts, he agrees, and thus a marriage of convenience begins. After the death of his parents when he was a child, Nathaniel has closed himself off from love for fear of losing more loved ones, and thus he fights his attraction to his newly acquired wife and appears to be a distant man who likes things to be done properly. The story is a light read with a HEA and only a small amount of mystery as to who is causing the Duke problems on his estate, although it was fairly easy to work out who the culprit was. I found the reasons for the attacks on the estate to be somewhat silly as I do not believe that they would ever have had the desired effect. Also, the swift change in Nathaniel’s grandmother from imposing matriarch who disapproved of Nathaniel’s actions, to a lady with health problems who was very sympathetic and kind to Evelyn, did not ring true. All in all, this was a quick and easy summer read without very much depth to it. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

  July 19, 2023

• B********a

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Very good novel
  
  I really enjoyed reading this novel great storyline enjoyable characters very well written page turner I really really enjoyed reading this book

  July 18, 2023

• C***************s

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  There is a bit of mystery in this piece.
  
  A man who is haunted by the past and a lady who is being forced into an arranged marriage due to family problems are our main characters of this interesting story. I found it an engaging tale the growth between them. I liked the twists and turns in this one too. It is love story but there is more to it.

  July 18, 2023

• c**********3

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Romance
  
  Well written. Love the characters.

  July 17, 2023

• D******n

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Love Comes With Trouble
  
  Duke of Carlwood, Nathaniel has had no interest in marriage. He was content living apart from society since the early deaths of his parents. However, his grandmother is persistent that it is his duty to marry to continue the line. Since he wasn’t interested in marriage, he didn’t try to sway the perception of him being cruel. Lord Wentworth found himself in deep financial troubles. He owed the duke a considerable sum and if he couldn’t pay, he was facing debtor’s prison. So, he offered his daughter Evelyn hand in marriage to write-off the debt. The duke considered the arrangement more suitable to the usual marriage mart, and only if Evelyn agreed and wasn’t being forced. Evelyn agreed as she couldn’t see her dad in prison and her mother and sister in such dire straits. Once the wedding was held, they went to his country estate as there was urgent business to attend to. Upon arrival Nathaniel discovered that someone was trespassing, and livestock was stolen. As they investigated the damage ramped up. Evelyn being concerned and encouraged that she was a partner they discussed and worked together giving them a sense of respect of one another. But someone was trying to destroy them. ARC Review

  July 17, 2023

• J*d

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Great love story!
  
  He never really recovered from the death of his parents. Becoming a recluse got him the title of the Beastly Duke. Evelyn has to marry to save her family because of her father’s failed investments. Will these two find love? Beautiful, well written love story. A must read!

  July 17, 2023

• L************y

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Great book love the characters especially Evelyn
  
  Good book, love the characters!

  July 17, 2023

• A**********r

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Wonderful book
  
  Wonderful book by a wonderful author as always I really enjoyed it

  July 17, 2023

• K*************r

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Nice clean story
  
  Enjoyed the premise of this book. I really like this author. However, the pace is a bit slow. Overall really liked this book.

  July 17, 2023

• J***e

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Must Read
  
  Loved, Loved, Loved it

  July 16, 2023

• a**********n

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Cool
  
  Fun

  July 16, 2023

• c***l

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Nice read
  
  Nathaniel and Evelyn start their betrothal/marriage as strangers who never met before. Each has his/her own specific insecurities yet as they go through all the unexpected events they work along side and grow together and right into their hea

  July 16, 2023

• N********n

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Marriage of convenience
  
  I think the title is a little off as the duke isn’t beastly just reclusive. He agrees to a marriage to wipe out a debt owed him. The heroine was bartered away by her father, who made some bad investments, but who otherwise is a loving man. As they grow to appreciate each other, bad things start happening. I did figure out the villain fairly early on. There was a misnaming of a noble title once which wasn’t too upsetting. I didn’t feel that the hero’s grandmother’s character was consistent as she seemed stern and healthy at the beginning and then she turned fragile and loving fairly fast. I enjoyed how the main characters misconceptions about each other slowly changed and how they finally acknowledge their true feelings.

  July 16, 2023